[blparent] (no subject)

[Jo Elizabeth Pinto]

Hi, Angelina.  If you haven't done so, consider taking a childbirth class at 
the hospital where you will be delivering.  This will not only give you an 
idea of what to expect, but it will also start to get you acquainted with 
some of the nurses and staff.  That way, your blindness won't be encountered 
for the first time when you are admitted for labor and delivery.  Also, 
don't assume every question about your support system at home is getting 
asked just because of your blindness.  When a woman has a baby, especially 
if she is alone, she needs help--physically and emotionally--when she goes 
home, blind or not.  If you don't have family nearby, lean on your friends. 
Be specific in what you need.  People want to help, but they say, "Call me 
if you need anything."  Then you don't know what to ask for, or when to 
call.  Suggest that your friends could drop over for short visits, maybe 
bring prepared or frozen meals.  But anyway, don't assume the doctors or 
nurses are asking you about your support system because of your blindness. 
I had a few ask me if I would have help at home, I just said yes, and that 
was the end of the matter.

Good luck,
Jo Elizabeth

It is easy--terribly easy--to shake a man's faith in himself. To take 
advantage of that to break a man's spirit is devil's work. Take care of what 
you are doing. Take care.--George Bernard Shaw in "Candide"
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Anjelina" <cruz.anjelina at mchsi.com>
To: "'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2009 12:25 AM
Subject: [blparent] (no subject)


> Hi there list,
> I'm due next month and was wondering did you take any additional steps for
> dealing with people that might be uncomfortable with blindness? The doctor
> I've been seeing me throughout my pregnancy will not be delivering so I 
> was
> looking for any suggestions for dealing with a new hospital on such short
> notice.
> Hope that makes sense.